The COVID-19 pandemic calls for steady, experienced leadership
...coupled with the incredible unity Chapel Hill residents continue to display
Experienced leadership has seen Chapel Hill through the COVD-19 pandemic with far better outcomes than many of our peers around the state and nation. As hard as the last 18 months have been – and continue to be, especially with the Delta variant’s arrival - I am proud of the Town of Chapel Hill’s response, led by the Mayor and Town Council, which, from the beginning, has been informed by three key principles:
-Relying on science: We continue to be guided by the latest science and local data
-Prioritizing equity: We apply an equity lens to our response, prioritizing those most vulnerable to and impacted by COVID
-Emphasizing collaboration: We collaborate effectively with county, non-profits, schools, and community members to pool resources, share knowledge and expertise, and avoid duplication and gaps in service provision.
These pillars have served us well so far in mitigating the worst impacts of this pandemic on our community, resulting in:
-The highest vaccination rate and lowest infection rates in the state
-A robust social support network that has distributed over $1.5 million in emergency housing and utilities assistance and over one million meals to children and their families
-Eighteen neighborhood based scholastic and childcare support programs for low-income and refugee families
-Public health-informed community guidelines that have been updated as the scientific research regarding prevention and transmission has evolved
-Town-subsidized financial and other supports to local businesses to help keep their doors open
-A long-term recovery plan.
As we move forward in this uncharted territory, I’m grateful for the commitment of my colleagues on the Council, Town and County staff and community partners, and for our residents who are willing to make sacrifices for the common good. Thank you to all who stay masked, get vaxxed, and continue to support local businesses that make Chapel Hill the town we all love. Together, we will get through this.
Local COVID resources: https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/newsroom/covid-19
Campaign updates:
*NEXT COMMUNITY MEET-UP is this Saturday, August 14, at 10am! Meet me at the Botanical Gardens Nature Trails to take a walk through this beautiful 88-acre forest. Bring your dogs, kids, friends, and a mask! We’ll meet in the overflow parking lot outside the entrance gate on Old Mason Farm Road.
*DONATE: Funds are needed to help us get the word out. You can donate here: https://stegman4chapelhill.com/contribute/
*YARD SIGNS: Message us if you would like a sign for your yard. We will deliver it to your door!
*VOLUNTEER: Volunteers are needed to knock on doors, phone bank, host events, and more. Canvassing is ramping up! Sign up here: https://stegman4chapelhill.com/volunteer/